Add the Los Angeles Chargers to the list of teams at least gauging the market for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown.
Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Chargers are “keeping tabs” on Brown’s situation even though the Eagles’ are maintaining a “steep asking price” for the three-time Pro Bowler.
Russini noted the Los Angeles Rams checked in on Brown’s availability before moving on, while the New England Patriots have “poked around” as they pursue a No. 1 wide receiver.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier this week that the Eagles are seeking a return similar to what the New York Jets got from the Dallas Cowboys for Quinnen Williams.
That deal from November saw the Cowboys trade a 2026 second-round pick, 2027 first-round pick and Mazi Smith to the Jets.
A move that was agreed to on Thursday might have marked the end of any realistic chance that Brown gets traded. The Buffalo Bills agreed to send a 2026 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears for DJ Moore and a 2026 fifth-round selection.
As part of the deal, the Bills reportedly also agreed to guarantee $15.5 million of Moore’s 2028 salary, all but ensuring he will earn at least $62.5 million over the next three seasons.
Brown has $45 million remaining on his current deal, with no guaranteed money after 2026. Even coming off a down season, very few people would try to realistically argue that he is a worse player than Moore.
That doesn’t even factor the Eagles taking on a $72.4 million dead cap charge and a $49 million cap loss for 2026 if Brown were to be traded prior to June 1. A post-June 1 trade would bring the dead cap hit down to $45.4 million, but they would still lose roughly $22 million in cap space for the upcoming season.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman told reporters during the NFL scouting combine that the club will always listen to any offers that might come in, but it’s hard to get better if you’re “subtracting great players” from the roster.
The Patriots already had a need at wide receiver even before making the decision to release Stefon Diggs at the start of the new league year. They seem almost certain to add at least one pass-catcher in free agency and/or the draft now.
Los Angeles has a lack of high-end talent and depth at receiver. Ladd McConkey had a disappointing second season with 789 yards. Quentin Johnston is no longer the bust that he seemed destined to become during his rookie year, but he’s best served in a supporting role.
Brown would absolutely plug a hole for either the Patriots or Chargers, but it’s hard to envision a realistic scenario in which a trade happens unless he tries to force the issue with the Eagles.
A three-time Pro Bowler, Brown has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in six of his first seven NFL seasons. He had 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2025 campaign.